The Gashimov Memorial attracts some elite players

The Gashimov Memorial tournament which is being held in Shakmir, Azerbaijan, from April 20 to 30, has attracted some elite players, including world champion Magnus Carlsen. Vugar Gashimov passed away in January, and was of the of the brightest talents in Azerbaijan.

The Gashimov tournament is divided into two groups. In addition to Carlsen 2881, the A group consists of Caruana 2783, Sergey Karjakin 2772, Hikaru Nakamura 2772, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov 2760 and Teimour Radjabov 2713. The B group consists of five top players from various countries, and the rest from the home country of Azerbaijan.

After four rounds, Carlsen and Caruana are leading the tournament. The two played a Berlin defence in the Ruy Lopez with Carlsen managing the black pieces. Readers would recall that the Berlin was popular in the Anand-Carlsen world championship match in November. Caruana outplayed the world champion which doesn’t happen often for him or other players.

Carlsen made an error giving Caruana a pawn which he proceeded to convert with immaculate precision. The world champion previously stopped both Mamedyarov and Nakamura, the US champion, making him equal first with Caruana on 2.5 points.

Chess games

The following games were played at the 2014 Gashimov Memorial Tournament in Azerbaijan. The ‘A’ group features six of the strongest chess players in the world, with an average FIDE rating of 2780. The participants are all below the age of 30. The tournament is in progress.

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